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Topic: Next Lens - Help (Read 2231 times)

I'm trying to decided between the 85L and the 24 TS-E for my next lens, which is a night and day decision. It will probably be my last (expensive) lens for a while. I shoot basically everything, including films. I'm trying to decide which lens will give me the more creative opportunity, but also fill some holes. The 24 will fill my landscape hole, while the 85 would fill my portrait hole. I wouldn't use the 24 conventionally though, and I would also love it for video because you can create really cool effects that can be used for dream sequences, etc. The 85 would be great for its amazing bokeh and low light performance.

I know none of you can objectively answer this question, but I'd love to hear some opinions anyway.

From what you describe, I am thinking you would use the 85 more, so that is what I would choose. If you had the 70-200 f/2.8 or 135L, then I might have suggested otherwise. It is nice to have a slightly longer fast focal length for portraits than the 50. Your other choices for that focal length are either f/2.8 or f/4.

From reviews, the 24-70 II competes well against the 24 TS-E resolution-wise but has more distortion. You should be able to do most of what you want with the 24-70 II. If you want the SFX for video, you could always rent it for a project. But be forewarned; it will become the NEXT expensive lens you get! =)

Thanks guys. I've used the 17 and 24 tilt shifts before and they're by far the most fun I've ever had with a lens, it's just a matter of what is actually more important right now, which I'm trying to decide. I plan on owning them both eventually, just a matter of when I'll have enough money. The other thing to consider is I'll be in New York for the holidays and the 24 TS-E is almost $800 cheaper in the US, whereas the 85 is the same price in Canada (I live in Canada).

crasher8

Well you have that 85 focal length covered but not at too fast a lens and the 24 as well but at the softer end. I'd go for the 24 since you seem to emphasize the fun you've had toying with one and maybe meet your budget halfway by getting a 85 1.8 along with it. Refurb?Sigma 85?Wait for the Samyang 24 TS?

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canon rumors FORUM

Yeah I was thinking going 24 TS-E + 85 1.8 until I can afford the 1.2 might be the best idea. Though even that might be a bit out of my price range for now. Need to make it work. The 85 1.8 is also about $150 cheaper in the US....

The biggest knock for me against 85L II is that it is a ponderous lens... noticeably slow moving all that glass. Till I put it on a 1DX it was frankly frustrating even with the older 1 series bodies. After all the oooo-ing and ahh-ing is done about the bokeh at 1.2, it really comes down to what you will use it for, given, you already have other lenses within the range. If you are a "heavy" portrait format person...and insist on f/1.2 where the eye is in focus and the eyebrow isn't (ok I exagerate...but only a tad ) then go for it.

On the other hand, the TS lenses are a whole new catagory which you dont' have from what you list. Canon's recent TS's are some of the best hands down. Just my 2 cents.

Starting to change my mind totally and think of going for the 45 TS-E + the 85 1.8. 45 is probably a better focal length for me considering I'd love to use tilt-shift also for creative portraits and the miniature effect as well as landscapes. The 24 is generally too wide for portraits and miniature effect. It would be a lot easier to decide if the 45 TS-E L were out already.